11:30 AM IST – Banking services across India may face disruption on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, after major bank unions announced a call for a nationwide strike. The strike has been proposed to demand the implementation of a five-day workweek for all banks.
The timing is important. January 26 is Republic Day, which is already a national bank holiday, and Jan 25 is a Sunday. If the strike goes ahead, bank customers may face disruption for multiple consecutive days, especially in public sector banks.
What is really happening?
As per the Free Press Journal, bank employees’ unions under the banner of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) have announced a nationwide bank strike on January 27, 2026. AIBOC also tweet on X with the announcement Image and PDF.
UFBU is an umbrella body of nine major bank unions representing bank employees and officers across public sector banks and some old-generation private banks.
Key unions under UFBU include:
- All India Bank Officers’ Confederation (AIBOC)
- All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA)
Together, these unions represent several lakh bank employees and officers across India.
Why are bank unions calling the strike?
The main demand is the implementation of a five-day banking week. It directly means – all Saturdays off.
At present:
- Banks are closed on Sundays
- And on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month
According to union statements, declaring the remaining two Saturdays as holidays was agreed during the wage revision settlement in March 2024 between UFBU and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).
UFBU has said there would be no loss of working hours, as unions have agreed to extend weekday working time by around 40 minutes from Monday to Friday.
The unions also pointed out that institutions such as RBI, LIC, GIC, stock exchanges, foreign exchange markets, and central and state government offices already follow a five-day work schedule.
Important dates to note
- January 25 (Sunday) – Weekly holiday
- January 26 (Monday) – Republic Day (national bank holiday)
- January 27 (Tuesday) – Proposed all-India bank strike
If the strike materialises, public sector banks could be affected for up to three consecutive days.
Which banking services may be affected?
If bank staff participate in the strike, customers may see disruption in:
- Cheque clearing and settlement
- Cash withdrawals via self-cheque via the branch will pause.
- Cash deposits and withdrawals at branches
- Branch-based customer services
- Branch Based RTGS, IMPS, NEFT, and other mode will pause.
- Loan documentation and approvals
- KYC and account-related work
The level of impact may vary by bank, city, and branch, depending on staff participation.
What services usually continue?
Based on past bank strikes:
- UPI, internet banking, and mobile banking usually continue
- ATM services generally remain available, subject to cash levels due to the 2-day holiday before the strike.
- NEFT and RTGS transactions may work, but settlement delays are possible
Customers with time-sensitive transactions are advised to plan ahead.
Public sector vs private banks
Historically, public sector banks are more affected by union-led strikes. Private banks and cooperative banks may see a partial or limited impact, depending on internal arrangements.
What should customers do?
- Complete urgent cheque or branch work before January 24.
- Avoid depending on branch services on January 27
- Use digital banking channels where possible
- Businesses should factor in possible clearing delays
